Do you struggle with your weight and find that it affects your health and has led to side effects like sleep apnea? Have you tried to change your diet, exercise more, and make other lifestyle changes but find you still can’t lose weight? If this sounds familiar, you should talk with your doctor about the possibility of adding Zepbound to your routine. However, before you start taking Zepbound, it’s important to know more about the side effects so you can effectively manage them and know when a side effect is serious and indicates you should call your doctor.
Here is more information on what Zepbound is, Zepbound side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, and how to handle these issues.
What is Zepbound?
Zepbound is a prescription once-weekly injectable medication that activates the hormones GIP and GLP-1, both of which regulate hunger as well as how fast food passes through the system and blood sugar levels. Zepbound has been approved for doctors to prescribe for those who are obese or who are experiencing weight-related sleep apnea. It is most often prescribed for those who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or over. In some cases, those who have a BMI between 27-30 and who also have a weight-related condition like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease will also be prescribed Zepbound.
The main ingredient in Zepbound is tirzepatide, which is the same active ingredient in the type-2 diabetes drug Mounjaro. This makes it different from the commonly known weight-loss drug Ozempic which has a main ingredient of semaglutide.
What are Common Side Effects of Zepbound?
Common Zepbound side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort such as stomachache, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, and burping. You can manage these issues by eating smaller meals throughout the day, not eating before going to bed, drinking plenty of water, getting a lot of gentle exercise like walking, and avoiding spicy or fatty foods.
Other Zepbound side effects include fatigue, injection site reactions, hair loss, and headache. These should be mild and often go away on their own.
What are More Serious Side Effects of Zepbound?
There is a possibility of more serious Zepbound side effects that you should immediately report to your healthcare professional. These include inflammation of the pancreas, a lump in the neck or trouble swallowing that could indicate a thyroid tumor, gallstones, severe digestive issues that could lead to kidney injury, severe allergic reaction, and suicidal thoughts or depression. If you believe you are experiencing any of these serious Zepbound side effects, always err on the side of caution and report them to your doctor or other healthcare professional.
Managing Zepbound Side Effects
Knowing the possible Zepbound side effects will help you be prepared when you start taking the medication. It will also help you put management practices in place such as drinking enough water, eating smaller meals, and avoiding any types of food that increase gastrointestinal distress. When you have enough knowledge about the medication, you can take it safely and reduce the chances you’ll experience any serious side effects that could negatively affect your health.